“Do these judgments suggest a leadership in Jerusalem that believes in the potential net benefits of a measured nuclear retaliation? Or do they suggest a leadership in Jerusalem that believes such a reprisal would bring upon Israel variously intolerable levels of conventional Iranian destruction? And is the leadership in Tehran expectedly rational?” – Louis Rene Beres
SHINING LIGHT
A Light to the Nations’: Italian Newspaper Editorial Sings Israel’s Praises: Staff, United With Israel, Aug. 18, 2024 — Il Foglio, an Italian newspaper, published an editorial praising Israel despite international criticism. Journalist Giulio Meotti wrote, “Why is Israel the best nation in the world despite all the accusations that have been hurled against it?”
Michael Oren: Should Israel Strike First?: Michael Oren, The Free Press, Aug. 15, 2024
Possible Advantages of a Preemptive Strike on Iran: Louis Rene Beres, JNS, Aug. 12, 2024
Why are We Playing by Iran’s Rules?: Seth Mandel, Commentary, Aug. 15, 2024
The Long-Term Consequences of U.S. Intel Leaks: Caroline B. Glick, JNS, Aug. 16, 2024
FOR FURTHER REFERENCE:
Report: Israel Could Preemptively Strike Iran If Intelligence Shows Attack Is Imminent: TOI Staff and Agencies, Times of Israel, Aug. 5, 2024 — Israel would consider launching a preemptive strike to deter Iran if it uncovered airtight evidence that Tehran was preparing to mount an attack, Hebrew media reported after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened Israel’s security chiefs for a meeting on Sunday evening.
US Buildup and Fear of Immediate Counterstrike Stay Iran and Hezbollah’s Hand: Ron Ben-Yishai, Ynet News, Aug. 13, 2024 — Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah in Lebanon appear to have decided on a plan for a retaliatory attack against Israel but are delaying its execution for strategic and operational reasons.
Harris Campaign’s New Adviser to Muslims Draws Criticism From Pro-Israel Leaders: David Swindle, JNS, Aug. 16, 2024 — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign hired Nasrina Bargzie, a former adviser of Harris’s in the White House on “Muslim, Arab and Gaza-related issues as well as reproductive rights, voting and democracy,” to “lead outreach to Muslim and Arab voters,” NBC News reported.
Hamas Rejects ‘Final Offer’ Hostage Release-Ceasefire Deal: Hana Levi Julian, Jewish Press, Aug. 17, 2024 — Despite US claims that “final” hostage release and ceasefire deal talks in Doha, Qatar “look positive,” the Hamas terrorist organization on Friday rejected the latest proposal agreed upon by Israel with Qatari, Egyptian and US mediators.